Reaching for the mouse every time you want to jump to another window slows you down. Windows has keyboard shortcuts for switching between open apps, between virtual desktops, between monitors, and even between display modes when you connect a projector or second screen. This guide covers all of them in Windows 11 and Windows 10, so you can move around your PC without leaving the keyboard.
Quick Answer
Hold Alt and press Tab to cycle through open windows, then release Alt to switch. Press Windows key + Tab to see all windows and desktops. Use Windows key + Ctrl + Left/Right arrow to switch virtual desktops, and Windows key + Shift + Left/Right arrow to move a window to another monitor.
Switch Between Open Windows
- Alt + Tab: hold Alt, press Tab repeatedly to move through thumbnails, and release Alt to open the highlighted window. Press Alt + Shift + Tab to go backward. A quick Alt + Tab switches to the last window you used.
- Ctrl + Alt + Tab: opens the switcher and keeps it open after you release the keys. Use the arrow keys and press Enter.
- Alt + Esc: cycles through windows in the order they were opened, without showing thumbnails.
- Windows key + number (1–9): opens or switches to the app pinned in that position on the taskbar. Press it again to cycle through that app’s windows.
- Windows key + T: moves focus to the taskbar; use arrow keys and Enter to pick an app.
In Windows 11, Settings > System > Multitasking lets you choose whether Alt + Tab shows browser tabs as separate items.
Task View and Virtual Desktops
- Windows key + Tab: opens Task View, showing all open windows and your desktops. Use the arrow keys and Enter to choose.
- Windows key + Ctrl + D: creates a new virtual desktop.
- Windows key + Ctrl + Left/Right arrow: switches between desktops.
- Windows key + Ctrl + F4: closes the current desktop (its windows move to the next one).
Switch Between Monitors
- Windows key + Shift + Left/Right arrow: moves the active window to the monitor on the left or right, keeping its size.
- Windows key + P: opens the Project menu to choose PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend or Second screen only. Press it repeatedly to move through the options, then Enter.
Other Useful Window Shortcuts
- Windows key + D: show or hide the desktop.
- Windows key + M: minimize all windows.
- Windows key + Left/Right arrow: snap a window to half of the screen.
- Windows key + Up/Down arrow: maximize or restore/minimize.
- Ctrl + Tab / Ctrl + Shift + Tab: switch tabs inside browsers and many apps.
- Alt + F4: close the current window.
Shortcuts Not Working?
- Some keyboards have a Windows key lock or gaming mode that disables the Windows key. Check for an Fn shortcut or a lock light. See how to turn the Windows key back on.
- Full-screen games may capture Alt + Tab; try Windows key + Tab or play in borderless windowed mode.
- Remote desktop sessions may send shortcuts to the remote PC instead of yours.
Related: Switch between windows on Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I switch screens on a Mac keyboard used with Windows?
The Command key usually acts as the Windows key, and Option acts as Alt.
Can I change the Alt + Tab shortcut?
Not in Windows settings, but tools like Microsoft PowerToys (Keyboard Manager) can remap shortcuts.
Do these shortcuts work in Windows 10?
Yes. All shortcuts here work in Windows 10 and 11.
Summary
- Alt + Tab: switch between windows.
- Windows key + Tab: Task View.
- Windows key + Ctrl + Left/Right: switch desktops.
- Windows key + Shift + Left/Right: move a window to another monitor.
- Windows key + P: change display mode.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.